Hearts dump Sammy Adjei

Veteran goalkeeper, Sammy Adjei, has become a major casualty in an audacious bid by Accra Hearts of Oak to revamp the squad for title pursuits next football season.

The Phobians have decided to part ways with their trusted goalkeeper and onetime safest pair of hands for the senior national team, Blacks Stars. He is among 14 players transfer-listed by the club, prominent among them being defender Emmanuel Osei, aka Obuor, who were signed on during the second window of last season.

Adjei has had troubles with the technical team since renewing his contract with the Phobians last season. And his troubled relationship with the club worsened under Coach David Duncan leading to his consignment to the reserves bench for most past of last season in preference for the younger and relatively less experienced Tetteh Lugard.

But a management source explained yesterday that Adjei’s case was one of mutual disengagement since it was the player himself who opted out of his contract which runs out next season.

“We still recognise the invaluable services rendered by Sammy Adjei to the club for many years and we respect his decision,” a Hearts source told the Graphic Sports.

Some of the players who have been off-loaded include, Godwin Osei Bonsu, Esme Mends, Joseph Mugri, James Bissiu and Sadat Karim.

The Phobians have, however, secured replacements in Amidaus Professionals striking duo of Emmanuel Hayford and Selassi Adjei, Aduana Stars captain Godfried Saka and goalkeeper Stephen Adams, and playmaker Kweku Andoh of Heart of Lions.

Coach Duncan is also eyeing Black Satellites goalkeeper, Eric Antwi and Liberty Professionals’ midfielder Owusu Boahene to bolster his squad for next season.

Story: Andy Quao